Sasangir National Park

Introduction
The Sasangir National Park and Lion Sanctuary in the Kathiwad peninsula of Gujarat has the distinction of being the last earthly refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo). It is home of some 300 lions of this close to being extinct Asiatic species. The Park is a popular tourist destination, with some sixty thousand wide-eyed tourists visiting the Park in the hope of catching a glimpse of the proud and rare lion in 1999-2000. Apart from the Asiatic Lions, the park is also home to large number of chitals, chinkara, leopard, wild ass and many other animals.

The Asiatic lion once ranged from Asia Minor and Arabia through Persia to India. Till the advent of the British, it roamed throughout the northern and central states of India, from Sindh to Bengal and southward to the Narmada basin. But hunters were hot on its trail and the lion was hunted mercilessly. In 1884, the species was finally wiped out from everywhere save the Gir forest.

Jeep safaris and wild life photography expeditions are the favorites tourist activities here. Several machans (watchtowers) and hides have been raised near waterholes to allow visitors a closer look of the lions. One can also visit other places in the vicinity like Junagadh and Somnath famous for their history and religious importance.


Tourist Attractions in Sasangir
Gir offers a large number of activities and attractions within the premises of the reserve.

» The Asiatic Lion
Sasangir is the only place in the world outside the African continent where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. It alone draws hordes of visitors to the park each year. Much of the Asiatic Lion’s time is spent snoozing where the shade is deepest, while the lionesses do the stalking, hunting and cub raising. But, when a kill is made, he is the first to come and claim his share.

The best time to observe lions in their natural surroundings is at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Though the Asiatic lion is an elusive creature, a morning safari awards a good chance of seeing it, in contrast to a hot afternoon safari.

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» Other Animals
The Gir forest is also home to a large number of other fascinating species like the leopard, chital, chinkara (gazelle), wild boar, wild ass, nilgai, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope. It is also a good place to watch monkeys, parrots, and India’s national bird, the peacock. A crocodile-rearing and research centre also flourishes adjacent to Sinh Sadan Lodge, where hatchlings are reared and then released into their natural habitat.

» Jeep Safaris
Jeep Safaris are very popular with tourists who are enchanted with the idea of a ride in the wilds! However one needs a permit, which is issued on the spot at the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge office before setting off on the jungle trail.

» Other Attractions
Gir forest area also includes the Nalsarovar Lake and Sanctuary, where birds like paradise flycatcher, back-headed cuckoo, pied woodpecker, various species of eagles, painted sand grouse, bush quail, flamingo, partridge, parrot, and peacock may be seen. The park also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna near the Tulsi Shyam springs.

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Excursions in Sasangir
The Gir national park offers a number of interesting excursion sites for daylong or weekend trips.

» Junagadh
Junagadh lies 64 km from Sasangir National Park and is an important heritage site. The main places to visit here are Jami Masjid, Uperkot Fort, Durbar Hall Museum, Mahabat Maqbara, and temples of Girnar Hills.

» Chorwad
Chorwad is a new beach resort around 30 km off Sasangir developed by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.

» Somnath
Somnath is a famous Hindu shrine and a seat of one of the Jyotirlingas. Once, the temple of Somnath was one of the richest shrines in the country. Attacked many times by the Muslims in the 10th and 11th century AD for the riches of the shrine, the temple has been reconstructed after India’s freedom.

» Ahmedpur Mandvi
Ahmedpur Mandvi lies about 70 km from Sasangir and is one of the finest beaches in India. It is ideal for walks and swimming. A variety of water sports options like water scooters, skiing, surfing, parasailing, and speedboat trips are available here.


How to Reach Sasangir
The Gir Forest is accessible by cars and jeeps. We provide complete transport facilities such as car-rental or jeep safari packages for tour and travel in the Gir Park. In fact, we offer exciting adventure tour packages that are inclusive of hotel booking and air booking services to the Gir Park. The nearest airport is Keshod at a distance of 86 km. Steam trains run to Veraval (twice daily) and Junagarh (once a day) from the nearest rail junction, Sasangir, which is about 1 km from the park.

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Important Travel Information
Though the area is usually dry and arid, with the onset of monsoon greenery and freshness returns. Summers that last from April to June are harsh with temperatures as high as 44°C, while winters from December to February are cool. The average rainfall changes from place to place in the park, which is open from November to May. The best months to visit the park are from December to March. The park is closed between the months of June to October.

The vegetation in the Gir area consists of teak with a mixture of deciduous trees and thorn forests. The terrain is rugged with steep rocky hillsides. A few springs also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric depending upon the season.

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